Future Links September 7th 2015
Today our news roundup from the printing industry covers Katjes’ unique way to use 3D printing to connect with its customers, a British group that is developing a printed energy-harvesting device, WASP’s 12 meter tall 3D printer, a new managed print service solution for customers in the Middle East, H.B. Fuller’s new Adhesive Academy, HarperCollins new interactive campaign and a reality check on the past and future of bioplastics.
British consortium is working on printed energy harvesting device
The UK-based Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) has announced a new project to develop a novel printed energy-harvesting device that is powered by near-field communication (NFC). The device will facilitate the wider adoption of NFC-enabled applications in consumer packaging, document and brand security, in addition to wireless sensor networks for defense, healthcare and medical devices.
More at PE World
WASP presents 12-meter tall 3D printer
As more uses for 3D printers emerge, there is also a greater variety in sizes, ranging from very small to oversized. WASP (World’s Advanced Saving Project), which strives to bring 3D printing technology to developing countries, has now unveiled the world’s largest 3D printer, the BigDelta, measuring 12 meters in height. The printer will be used to print houses.
More at 3D Print
New managed print services provider focuses on Middle East
Managed print services are evolving and offer increasingly sophisticated solutions to companies who want to reduce cost and energy use and increase document safety in printing for their daily business use. Now, technology solutions provider Meta Byte has partnered with print management service provider Y Soft to offer managed print services for Middle East enterprises.
More at Zawya
H.B. Fuller opens Adhesive Academy in Germany
Designed as a place where cutting-edge research and development can happen and industry partnerships can flourish, H.B. Fuller has opened its Adhesive Academy in Lüneburg, Germany. The academy will draw on specialist knowledge from different industry sectors and provide an environment to work in partnership with customers to resolve issues and develop new products more rapidly than before.
More at Labels & Labeling
HarperCollins launches digital-out-of-home campaign
Publishing house HarperCollins has commissioned an interactive digital-out-of-home (DOOH) campaign to promote the paperback release of popular novel The Ice Twins. Using the wifi connection available at Ocean’s Eat Street display at Westfield London, the campaign gives passers-by the chance to download a sample extract from the book using a mobile device. User interaction via Twitter is also encouraged, with selected comments shown on the screen for others to see.
More at Output Magazine
Reality check: what happened to yesterday’s bioplastics?
Packaging Digest has been following the evolution of bioplastics for years. While there are some success stories, other promising concepts simply disappeared. Packaging Digest followed up with a series of questions for suppliers. Many had interesting stories to tell about their experiences in this ever-changing market.
More at Packaging Digest
New on the drupa blog
The German candy-maker Katjes is using 3D technology to connect with its customers: It has installed the world’s first food-grade 3D gummy printer to print customized gummy candy in its Grün Ohr Café in Berlin, thus providing a unique and fun customer experience.
More at drupa